Lectionary Reflection for the Second Sunday of Advent Year B, December 7, 2014
This Advent as we watch and keep awake we are also expected—all of us—to be active participants in preparing for Christ’s coming among us in the Day of the Lord. Read on for five suggestions and for ideas for worship (continuing the Advent visual), and time with youth and children. (Photo: /\ \/\/ /\, Creative Commons)
Narrative Lectionary Reflection, Year 1, Week 11, November 30, 2014
Dear preacher, this Sunday calls for a prophetic word. As you hold your iPad or newspaper in one hand and your Bible in the other, there is clear between word and world. Can we really afford not to speak out? Can we in good conscience simply gloss over current events, perhaps only lifting up prayer petitions? (Photo: Nana B. Agyei, Creative Commons)
First Sunday of Advent, Year B, November 30, 2014
It’s Advent again. What’s a Christian to do? We wait, we hope, we sin, we mess up: wash, rinse, repeat. According to Jesus in Mark’s gospel this week, we must remain awake and be fully present and attentive every day. (Photo: Alan Turkus, Creative Commons)
Narrative Lectionary Reflection (Year One, Week Ten), November 23, 2014
Jeremiah’s call to speak prophetically to God’s people is a tough one, but God puts the words in his mouth and goes with him. Yes, God equips ordinary people like you and like me to speak. When we do so, we can count on God to be sowing seeds of hope and abundance–even when the situation looks hopeless. (Photo: emdot, Creative Commons)
Narrative Lectionary Reflection for November 16, 2014
The success of the church does not depend on our puny efforts, however well-intentioned they may be. God doesn’t need us. We need God, and God responded to that need by sending Jesus into the world to show us a different way of being. Our Lord, instead of pruning hooks and plowshares took the cross to make peace once and for all. (Photo: Amanda Slater, Creative Commons)
Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost, Year A Lectionary Reflection
This week’s parable has me wondering how our churches and individual disciples would fare if we had a “faith and mission” version of Simon Cowell’s “Got Talent” show. How would we be judged on the use of our God-given, Spirit-fed, and Jesus-led talents? (Photo: Wikipedia)
Narrative Lectionary Reflection for November 9, 2014 (Year One)
In this short passage from Micah, God gives us some simple ingredients for the life of discipleship. This faith “starter” takes on a life of its own, multiplying, growing, sweetening, and creatively expanding as we share, learn, and walk together. (Photo: Neil Conroy, Creative Commons)
Lectionary Reflection for the 22nd Sunday after Pentecost, Yr A
Perhaps the point of this pesky parable is more about trying to remain alert and in the moment—even more than making sure we are prepared, right down to the last ounce of extra oil. Plus, there’s a point or two to be made about stewardship. (Photo: James Emery, Creative Commons)
Narrative Lectionary Reflection for November 2, 2014 (Year One)
What will it take, I wonder, for us to be pursuaded—as Naaman—to wash in the waters of baptism daily, to die to sin regularly, and to rise to newness of life clean and whole? Can we listen to the voices of the saints who have gone before us and who have lived lives of faith in specific times and contexts? Can we hear and live into the old, old story in a new time? (Photo: J>ro, Creative Commons)
All Saints Sunday, Year A, November 2, 2014
All Saints Sunday is truly a day where the church can shout “Amen,” live in abundant hope, and rejoice prodigally. Such rejoicing is an act of defiance in the face of the powers of death and darkness and an affirmation of our Lord’s promises and teachings. (Photo: Beatrice Murch, Creative Commons)
